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Famous Kootenay deer shot by poacher, sparking conservation probe

91ƵDroptine91Ƶ was shot within Kimberley city limits, after hunting season closed; CO has leads in investigation
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Droptine, a 5-by-5 mule deer buck who was poached within Kimberley limits. This photo was taken by Dallas Rehill who said: It deeply saddens me I won91Ƶt be able to photograph this beautiful animal in years to come. (Dallas Rehill photo)

The BC Conservation Service confirms they have several leads in their investigation of the illegal poaching of a well-known mule deer buck that took place within Kimberley city limits.

The animal is a large, striking 5-by-5 buck with a drop tine 91Ƶ an antler point that grows straight down from the main beam on the antlers of a mature deer 91Ƶ who was affectionately known in the community by the nickname Droptine.

Reiker Krenz with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, told the Bulletin that Droptine was shot on Sunday, Nov. 15 between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and left on the roadside.

91ƵHe was shot off the St. Mary91Ƶs Lake Road between the Purcell Golf Course and the Kimberley Riverside Campground on the north side of the hill,91Ƶ Krenz said.

Krenz said they91Ƶve had reports of a suspicious vehicle, but said that his office didn91Ƶt put out vehicle details.

91ƵWe didn91Ƶt put out vehicle details because people focus on one vehicle and kind of not look for other things we might be looking for, so I like to leave out vehicle details on this aspect,91Ƶ he explained.

However, if you did see a suspicious person walking with a gun or a vehicle parked in the area, or especially if you heard a gunshot and can remember the time and location, you should contact the BC Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.

91ƵWe91Ƶre looking for any further information in regards to this incident,91Ƶ Krenz said. 91ƵWe do have several leads, however we are requesting the public91Ƶs assistance, or if anyone involved would like to come forward.91Ƶ

Droptine isn91Ƶt the first animal poached in the East Kootenay this year.

91ƵIn the East Kootenay we91Ƶve had several poached animals, including mule deer, whitetail, elk, however this is a specific incident as it is inside Kimberley city limits where this one was shot.91Ƶ

Additionally, regardless of where the animal was shot, it also was killed after mule deer hunting season, which closed on Nov. 10.

The investigation remains active.



paul.rodgers@kimberleybulletin

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